November 23 - I Corinthians 7-9
In this passage Paul continues to address the problems in the church at Corinth. Some of the things he addresses are from questions they had sent to him. The two main issues here appear to be questions from the church. I know I often hear people say that they are going to ask God something when they get to heaven. The next best thing to that is to hear what the Apostle Paul said to answer a question, since his answers were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Chapter 7 gives many guidelines about marriage, and it is very helpful. In brief, Paul says that marriage is good, but if you can remain unmarried that is fine, too. He makes reference to having gifts from God and living according to those gifts. (v.7) I believe that refers to the gift of being single, but either way it means that Paul put the priority on serving God. He knew that being married caused people to have to spend time on the needs of their family, and this took away time from the Lord's work. Therefore, the single life was best for him and for others, so they could give full time to the Lord.
Chapter 8 tells us all to consider the weaker Christians when we decide to act in a certain way. (v.13) If our actions would cause them to misunderstand the Lord and to stumble in their faith, we should not act in that way. The problem presented here is that all Christians have different levels of knowledge and understanding. Those with more knowledge should not use that knowledge to hurt weaker brothers, but to help them. This happens a lot today, too. We must act in love and consideration toward our Christian brothers and sisters.
In chapter 9 Paul pours out his heart about his ministry. He has done all he could to serve God and to see people saved as well as churches started. Now, he is encountering people who are criticizing his methods. He is defending his rights and his actions. He tells the Corinthian believers that he has done what is best for them and for his own testimony. He says that he only wants to live in such a way that many people of all kinds can come to know Christ. He asks the believers to be understanding of him, even though mainly he is trying to please the Lord not people. He does not want to live in such a way that he loses control of his life or his body, and he becomes disqualified for the ministry. I know this is controversial, but I do believe that it points to a reality. There are sins that disqualify a person for ministry. I can't tell what he is referring to here, but he could be referring to adultery, since the previous verses deal with sexual immorality.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Corinthians 10-13.
Chapter 7 gives many guidelines about marriage, and it is very helpful. In brief, Paul says that marriage is good, but if you can remain unmarried that is fine, too. He makes reference to having gifts from God and living according to those gifts. (v.7) I believe that refers to the gift of being single, but either way it means that Paul put the priority on serving God. He knew that being married caused people to have to spend time on the needs of their family, and this took away time from the Lord's work. Therefore, the single life was best for him and for others, so they could give full time to the Lord.
Chapter 8 tells us all to consider the weaker Christians when we decide to act in a certain way. (v.13) If our actions would cause them to misunderstand the Lord and to stumble in their faith, we should not act in that way. The problem presented here is that all Christians have different levels of knowledge and understanding. Those with more knowledge should not use that knowledge to hurt weaker brothers, but to help them. This happens a lot today, too. We must act in love and consideration toward our Christian brothers and sisters.
In chapter 9 Paul pours out his heart about his ministry. He has done all he could to serve God and to see people saved as well as churches started. Now, he is encountering people who are criticizing his methods. He is defending his rights and his actions. He tells the Corinthian believers that he has done what is best for them and for his own testimony. He says that he only wants to live in such a way that many people of all kinds can come to know Christ. He asks the believers to be understanding of him, even though mainly he is trying to please the Lord not people. He does not want to live in such a way that he loses control of his life or his body, and he becomes disqualified for the ministry. I know this is controversial, but I do believe that it points to a reality. There are sins that disqualify a person for ministry. I can't tell what he is referring to here, but he could be referring to adultery, since the previous verses deal with sexual immorality.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Corinthians 10-13.